HIV

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that leads to AIDS. HIV belongs to a subset of retroviruses called lentiviruses (or slow viruses), which means that there is an interval -- sometimes years -- between the initial infection and the onset of symptoms. Upon entering the bloodstream -- through mucous membranes or blood-to-blood contact -- HIV infects the CD4+T cells and begins to replicate rapidly. Scientists believe that when the virus enters the body, HIV begins to disable the body's immune system by using the body's aggressive immune responses to the virus to infect, replicate and kill immune system cells. Gradual deterioration of immune function and eventual destruction of lymphoid and immunologic organs is central to triggering the immunosuppression that leads to AIDS.

Practicing safe sex and avoiding high-risk behaviors are the keys to protecting yourself from HIV. This begins with understanding that there is a risk of transmission any time infected blood, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk are exchanged. By limiting the possibility of these fluids entering your bloodstream, you are lowering the possibility of HIV infection. You can achieve this by limiting the number of people you have sex with, never sharing needles with anyone at any time and avoiding the use of alcohol or drugs before having sex. Drugs and alcohol may influence your decision and may reduce your ability to practice safer sex. Safe sex involves using a latex condom or latex square (dental dam) for sexual activities -- when used properly, latex is an effective barrier against the spread of HIV. In addition, the use of lubricants should be limited to water-based only, as oil-based lubricants can break down latex condoms within seconds of use.

The only way to determine HIV infection is to be tested, as symptoms and latent periods vary from person to person. It is common during the first two to four weeks of infection that people experience flu-like symptoms and enlarged lymph nodes. This is because the virus migrates to various organs in the body, particularly the lymphoid organs. During this stage people are highly infectious and HIV is present in large quantities in genital secretions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following are symptoms that may be warning signs of HIV infections: Rapid weight loss Dry cough Recurring fever or profuse night sweats Profound and unexplained fatigue Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth or in the throat Pneumonia Red, brown, pink or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids Memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders Remember that the only way to determine HIV infection is to be tested for the virus. No one should assume they are HIV positive or negative based on the presence or absence of any of the above symptoms. Each symptom can be related to other illnesses; similarly, other symptoms or the absence of symptoms cannot assure that someone is HIV negative. To be certain, get tested. Where can I get tested? There are a number of resources available in determining where and how to get tested. There are two ways to get tested for HIV -- you can visit a place that provides HIV testing such as a local health department, your family doctor, a hospital or an HIV testing center, or you can purchase a home test kit. However, the FDA currently approves only the Home Access brand test kit. In order to find a testing center near you, visit www.aids.org or call the CDC National AIDS Hotline at (800) 342-2437 (English), (800) 243-7889 (Spanish) or (800) 243-7889 (TTY). In addition, regional and national AIDS service and support organizations can assist you in locating a testing center. You can also contact Planned Parenthood. Look at the site http://plannedparenthood.org

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection. The Centers for Disease Control establish the definition of AIDS, which occurs in HIV-infected persons with fewer than 200 CD4+T cells and/or persons with HIV who develop certain opportunistic infections. In 1992, the CDC redefined AIDS to include 26 CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses and clinical conditions that affect persons with advanced HIV. What is the distinction between HIV and AIDS? AIDS is a disease developed by a person living with HIV, which is a viral organism. The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. Although an HIV-positive test result does not mean that a person has AIDS, most people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection. There are four main stages in the progression of an HIV infected person developing AIDS. The period following the initial HIV infection is called the window period. It is called this because this period reflects the window of time between infection with the virus and when HIV antibodies develop in the bloodstream. An HIV test that looks for antibodies taken during this time can result in a false negative, though antibodies usually appear within six months of the initial infection. Seroconversion refers to the period of time during which your body is busy producing HIV antibodies, trying to protect itself against the virus. This is the period after the initial infection when many people experience flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes this is a highly infectious stage. After most people seroconvert, they usually experience a symptom-free period or asymptomatic period. This stage can last anywhere from 6 months to over 10 years, varying from person to person. Although the person with HIV is experiencing no symptoms, the virus is still replicating inside the body and weakening the immune system. After this period, severe CD4+T cell loss leads to the symptomatic period, in which the body experiences the symptoms associated with HIV. This is the final stage before developing AIDS.

Aids Resources

NAT (National Aids Trust)  is the UK's leading advocate for action against HIV and AIDS both locally and globally. And we challenge the discrimination that people living with the virus face every day.

NAT recently announced its merger with the awareness charity Red Ribbon International.